[go: up one dir, main page]

US9442238B2 - Backlight module - Google Patents

Backlight module Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US9442238B2
US9442238B2 US14/019,154 US201314019154A US9442238B2 US 9442238 B2 US9442238 B2 US 9442238B2 US 201314019154 A US201314019154 A US 201314019154A US 9442238 B2 US9442238 B2 US 9442238B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
light
guide plate
reflective material
material layer
light guide
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related, expires
Application number
US14/019,154
Other versions
US20140369067A1 (en
Inventor
Bo-An Chen
Hsuan-Wei Ho
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Primax Electronics Ltd
Original Assignee
Primax Electronics Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Primax Electronics Ltd filed Critical Primax Electronics Ltd
Assigned to PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD. reassignment PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CHEN, BO-AN, HO, HSUAN-WEI
Publication of US20140369067A1 publication Critical patent/US20140369067A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US9442238B2 publication Critical patent/US9442238B2/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0013Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide
    • G02B6/0015Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
    • G02B6/002Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it by shaping at least a portion of the light guide, e.g. with collimating, focussing or diverging surfaces
    • G02B6/0021Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it by shaping at least a portion of the light guide, e.g. with collimating, focussing or diverging surfaces for housing at least a part of the light source, e.g. by forming holes or recesses
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0013Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide
    • G02B6/0023Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided by one optical element, or plurality thereof, placed between the light guide and the light source, or around the light source
    • G02B6/0031Reflecting element, sheet or layer
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/005Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided by one optical element, or plurality thereof, placed on the light output side of the light guide
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/005Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided by one optical element, or plurality thereof, placed on the light output side of the light guide
    • G02B6/0055Reflecting element, sheet or layer
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H13/00Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
    • H01H13/70Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard
    • H01H13/83Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch having a plurality of operating members associated with different sets of contacts, e.g. keyboard characterised by legends, e.g. Braille, liquid crystal displays, light emitting or optical elements
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00Legends
    • H01H2219/054Optical elements
    • H01H2219/06Reflector
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01HELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2219/00Legends
    • H01H2219/054Optical elements
    • H01H2219/062Light conductor

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a backlight module, and more particularly to a backlight module for use in an electronic device.
  • a backlight module is usually applied to a display device or a luminous input device.
  • a display device comprises a backlight module and a display panel.
  • the backlight module is used for providing a light beam and guiding the light beam into the display panel.
  • the luminous input device comprises a backlight module and an input interface.
  • the input interface is for example a keyboard device, a handwriting device or a touch panel.
  • the backlight module is used for providing a light beam and guiding the light beam into the input interface. Consequently, the input interface has a luminous function, and the input interface is visible by the user.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic side view illustrating a conventional luminous keyboard device.
  • the conventional luminous keyboard device is disclosed in for example Taiwan Patent No. M419971.
  • the conventional luminous keyboard device 100 comprises a light guide plate 110 , plural light sources 120 , a transparent layer 130 , a keycap layer 140 , plural light intensity adjusting patterns 150 , a reflective layer 160 , and an adhering layer 170 .
  • the light guide plate 110 has plural openings 112 . These openings 112 are located at predetermined positions of the light guide plate 110 .
  • Each light source 120 is aligned with a corresponding opening 112 .
  • each light source 120 is disposed within the corresponding opening 112 .
  • the transparent layer 130 is disposed over the light guide plate 110 .
  • the keycap layer 140 is disposed over the transparent layer 130 .
  • the plural light intensity adjusting patterns 150 are disposed on the transparent layer 130 . The positions of the light intensity adjusting patterns 150 are determined according to the positions of the light sources 120 .
  • the light source 120 is a light emitting diode or any other appropriate dot light source.
  • the transparent layer 130 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or any other appropriate transparent material. Please refer to FIG. 1 again. After the light beams emitted by the light sources 120 of the luminous keyboard device 100 are introduced into the light guide plate 110 , these light beams are transformed into a planar light beam. The planar light beam is transmitted through the transparent layer 130 overlying the light guide plate 110 and directed to the keycap layer 140 . Consequently, plural keycaps (not shown) of the keycap layer 140 are illuminated.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic top view illustrating the transparent layer, the light intensity adjusting patterns and the adhering layer of the conventional luminous keyboard device as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the light intensity adjusting patterns 150 are arranged between the transparent layer 130 and the keycap layer 140 .
  • the light intensity adjusting patterns 150 are partially disposed on the transparent layer 130 and located at the positions corresponding to the light sources 120 .
  • the light intensity adjusting patterns 150 are arranged around corresponding light sources 120 , respectively.
  • the light intensity adjusting pattern 150 is a white reflective pattern.
  • the light intensity adjusting pattern 150 the light beam from the light source 120 is reflected back into the light guide plate 110 . Consequently, the light utilization efficacy is enhanced.
  • the light intensity adjusting pattern 150 the light beam from the light source 120 is prevented from being directly projected onto the keycap layer 140 over the light source 120 . Under this circumstance, the intensity of the light beam at local areas is not too strong.
  • the light intensity adjusting pattern 150 is an opaque pattern.
  • the light intensity adjusting pattern 150 is a light-absorbing pattern by coating a black paint on the transparent layer 130 .
  • the light beam from the light source 120 can be absorbed by the light intensity adjusting pattern 150 , and the portion of the light beam to be transmitted through the keycap layer 140 is reduced. Consequently, the intensity of the light beam at the local area of the keycap layer 140 over the light source 120 is not too strong.
  • the reflective layer 160 is disposed under the light guide plate 110 .
  • the reflective layer 160 the light beam from a bottom surface of the light guide plate 110 is reflected back into the light guide plate 110 .
  • the use of the reflective layer 160 can enhance the light utilization efficacy.
  • the adhering layer 170 is arranged between the keycap layer 140 and the transparent layer 130 . Via the adhering layer 170 , the keycap layer 140 and the transparent layer 130 are combined together.
  • the light intensity adjusting patterns 150 are separated from the adhering layer 170 (i.e. an adhesive). As the consequently, the light adjusting functions (e.g.
  • the light-absorbing function or the light-reflecting function of the light intensity adjusting patterns 150 will not be influenced by the adhering layer 170 .
  • the light beam is directed upwardly from the whole transparent layer 130 .
  • the intensity of the light beam is diminished by the adhering layer 170 . Under this circumstance, the luminous efficacy of the luminous keyboard device is deteriorated.
  • the present invention provides a backlight module, in which the luminous efficacy is not adversely affected by the adhesive.
  • the background module includes a light-emitting element, a light guide plate, and a light shielding structure.
  • the light-emitting element is used for emitting a light beam.
  • the light guide plate has a sidewall for receiving the light beam. The light beam is guided by the light guide plate to be transferred within the light guide plate.
  • the light-emitting element is located near the sidewall.
  • the light guide plate includes a first reflective material layer.
  • the first reflective material layer is disposed on a top surface of the light guide plate and located near the sidewall.
  • the light shielding structure is disposed over the first reflective material layer for absorbing the light beam and preventing from leakage of the light beam. When the light beam is projected on the first reflective material layer, a portion of the light beam is reflected back into the light guide plate by the first reflective material layer, and another portion of the light beam is transmitted through the first reflective material layer and absorbed by the light shielding structure.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic side view illustrating a conventional luminous keyboard device
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic top view illustrating the transparent layer, the light intensity adjusting patterns and the adhering layer of the conventional luminous keyboard device as shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustrating a backlight module according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic side view illustrating a backlight module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic side view illustrating a backlight module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustrating a backlight module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the backlight module 2 comprises plural light-emitting elements 20 , a light guide plate 21 , a light shielding structure 22 , and an illumination circuit board 23 .
  • the light guide plate 21 comprises a sidewall 211 , a first reflective material layer 212 , and a reflecting ink layer 213 .
  • the sidewall 211 is located at a lateral edge 214 of the light guide plate 21 .
  • the plural light-emitting elements 20 are located near the sidewall 211 .
  • the functions of the first reflective material layer 212 and the reflecting ink layer 213 will be described later.
  • the illumination circuit board 23 is located beside the lateral edge 214 of the light guide plate 21 and fixed on the reflecting ink layer 213 .
  • the illumination circuit board 23 is used for supporting the plural light-emitting elements 20 and providing electric power to drive the plural light-emitting elements 20 .
  • the plural light-emitting elements 20 are driven to generate light beams B
  • the light beams B are received by the sidewall 211 , and introduced into the light guide plate 21 .
  • the light beams B are guided by the light guide plate 21 and transferred within the light guide plate 21 .
  • the light-emitting elements 20 are side-view light-emitting diodes.
  • the illumination circuit board 23 is a flexible printed circuit (FPC) board, which is made of a soft material. Moreover, the illumination circuit board 23 is fixed on the reflecting ink layer 213 by adhering means.
  • FPC flexible printed circuit
  • the first reflective material layer 212 is disposed on a top surface 215 of the light guide plate 21 , and located near the sidewall 211 .
  • the first reflective material layer 212 the portion of the light beams B from the top surface 215 of the light guide plate 21 is reflected back into the light guide plate 21 .
  • the reflecting ink layer 213 is disposed on a bottom surface 216 of the light guide plate 21 . By the reflecting ink layer 213 , the portion of the light beams B from the bottom surface 216 of the light guide plate 21 is reflected back into the light guide plate 21 .
  • each of the first reflective material layer 212 and the reflecting ink layer 213 is formed by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process.
  • each of the first reflective material layer 212 and the reflecting ink layer 213 is produced by firstly performing a coating process (e.g. a spray coating process or a printing process) and then performing a curing process (e.g. a baking process, an infrared curing process or a UV curing process).
  • the light guide plate 21 comprises plural light-guiding parts (not shown) for guiding the light beams B to be directed upwardly.
  • the structures of the light-guiding parts and the operations of the light-guiding parts for guiding the light beams B are well known to those skilled in the art, and are not redundantly described herein.
  • the light shielding structure 22 is disposed over the first reflective material layer 212 , and located near the plural light-emitting elements 20 .
  • the light shielding structure 22 is used for absorbing the light beams B and preventing from leakage of the light beams B.
  • the light shielding structure 22 is fixed on the first reflective material layer 212 via an adhesive 24 . That is, the light shielding structure 22 is disposed over the plural light-emitting elements 20 .
  • the plural light-emitting elements 20 are isolated from being contacted with external liquid (e.g. water). Consequently, the possibility of causing breakdown of the plural light-emitting elements 20 by the external liquid will be minimized.
  • the light shielding structure 22 comprises a light-absorbing ink layer 221 .
  • the light-absorbing ink layer 221 is used for absorbing the light beams B and preventing from leakage of the light beams B.
  • the light shielding structure 22 is a waterproof Mylar sheet, which is disposed over the first reflective material layer 212 .
  • the light-absorbing ink layer 221 is a black ink layer.
  • the black ink layer is formed on a top surface of the light shielding structure 22 by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process.
  • the black ink layer is formed on the top surface of the light shielding structure 22 by firstly performing a coating process (e.g.
  • the black ink layer is formed on a bottom surface of the light shielding structure.
  • the plural light-emitting elements 20 are disposed on the illumination circuit board 23 , and located beside the lateral edge 214 of the light guide plate 21 . After the plural light-emitting elements 20 are driven to generate light beams B, the light beams B are introduced into the light guide plate 21 through the lateral edge 214 of the light guide plate 21 , and the light beams B are transferred within the light guide plate 21 . When the light beam B is projected on the first reflective material layer 212 , a portion of the light beam B is reflected back into the light guide plate 21 by the first reflective material layer 212 . Consequently, the light beam B is subjected to total internal reflection within the light guide plate 21 .
  • the light beam B is directed to the light shielding structure 22 .
  • another portion of the light beam B is transmitted through the first reflective material layer 212 , and projected on the light shielding structure 22 , so that the light beam B is absorbed by the light shielding structure 22 . Consequently, the light intensity of the backlight module 2 at the positions near the light sources (i.e. the plural light-emitting elements 20 ) will not be too strong.
  • the light beam B transferred within the light guide plate 21 by the total internal reflection is projected on the reflecting ink layer 213 , the light beam B is reflected back into the light guide plate 21 . Under this circumstance, the possibility of leaking the light beam B from the light guide plate 21 is minimized, and thus the utilization efficacy of the light beam B is enhanced.
  • the light beam B is firstly reflected by first reflective material layer 212 , so that the fraction of the light beam B to be directed to the light shielding structure 22 is reduced. Then, the small portion of the light beam B is absorbed by the light shielding structure 22 , so that the possibility of leaking the light beam B is minimized. Under this circumstance, the luminous efficacy is more uniform. Moreover, due to the arrangement of the first reflective material layer 212 , only a small fraction of the light beam B is directed to the adhesive 24 . Consequently, the influence of the adhesive 24 on the light beam B is largely reduced.
  • the adhesive 24 is only disposed under the light shielding structure 22 and located near the light-emitting elements 20 . Consequently, while the light beam B is directly upwardly, the light beam B is not blocked by the adhesive 24 . In other words, the luminous efficacy of the backlight module 2 is not adversely affected by the adhesive 24 .
  • the first reflective material layer 212 is formed by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process, or the first reflective material layer 212 is produced by firstly performing a coating process and then performing a curing process. Consequently, there is no air layer between the first reflective material layer 212 and the light guide plate 21 . Since the light beam B is not leaked out through the air layer, the light transferring efficiency is enhanced.
  • the reflecting ink layer 213 is formed by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process, or the first reflective material layer 212 is produced by firstly performing a coating process and then performing a curing process.
  • the backlight module of the present invention is thinner than the conventional backlight module with multilayered stacked structures.
  • the backlight module of the present invention is suitable to be used in a display device, a luminous input device or any other appropriate electronic device.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic side view illustrating a backlight module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • the backlight module 3 comprises plural light-emitting elements 30 , a light guide plate 31 , a light shielding structure 32 , and an illumination circuit board 33 .
  • the light guide plate 31 comprises a sidewall 311 , plural openings 312 , a first reflective material layer 313 , and a reflecting ink layer 314 .
  • only one opening 312 is shown in the drawing.
  • the structures and the operations of the backlight module 3 of this embodiment are substantially identical to those of the backlight module 2 of the first embodiment, and are not redundantly described herein.
  • the light guide plate 31 further comprises plural openings 312 .
  • Each opening 312 is aligned with two light-emitting elements 30 .
  • the sidewall 311 is located at a periphery of the opening 312 .
  • the illumination circuit board 33 is disposed under the light guide plate 31 and fixed on the reflecting ink layer 314 .
  • the illumination circuit board 33 is used for supporting the plural light-emitting elements 30 . Consequently, every two light-emitting elements 30 are inserted into the corresponding opening 312 .
  • the plural light-emitting elements 30 are driven by the illumination circuit board 33 to generate light beams B
  • the light beams B are introduced into the light guide plate 31 through the periphery of the opening 312 .
  • the light shielding structure 32 is disposed over the plural light-emitting elements 30 , and the plural openings 312 are covered by the light shielding structure 32 .
  • the plural light-emitting elements 30 are isolated from being contacted with external liquid.
  • the light shielding structure 32 is a black waterproof Mylar sheet. Consequently, it is not necessary to install an additional light-absorbing ink layer on the light shielding structure 32 .
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic side view illustrating a backlight module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • the backlight module 4 comprises plural light-emitting elements 40 , a light guide plate 41 , a light shielding structure 42 , an illumination circuit board 43 , and a waterproof structure 44 .
  • the light guide plate 41 comprises a sidewall 411 , plural openings 412 , a first reflective material layer 413 , a second reflective material layer 414 , and a reflecting ink layer 415 .
  • the first reflective material layer 413 is disposed on a top surface 416 of the light guide plate 41 , and located near the sidewall 411 .
  • the second reflective material layer 414 is disposed on a bottom surface 417 of the light guide plate 41 .
  • the reflecting ink layer 415 is disposed on the second reflective material layer 414 .
  • each of the first reflective material layer 413 , the second reflective material layer 414 and the reflecting ink layer 415 is formed by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process.
  • each of the first reflective material layer 413 , the second reflective material layer 414 and the reflecting ink layer 415 is produced by firstly performing a coating process and then performing a curing process. The approaches of firstly performing the coating process and then performing the curing process are similar to those of the above embodiments, and are not redundantly described herein.
  • each of the first reflective material layer 413 and the second reflective material layer 414 is produced by firstly performing a spray coating process and then performing a UV curing process. Moreover, the first reflective material layer 413 and the second reflective material layer 414 are made of the same material.
  • the reflecting ink layer 415 is formed by a transfer printing process. Moreover, the reflecting ink layer 415 and the second reflective material layer 414 are made of different materials.
  • the ways of forming the first reflective material layer, the second reflective material layer and the reflecting ink layer are not restricted to the same process, and the first reflective material layer and the second reflective material layer are not restricted to be made of the same material.
  • the first reflective material layer and the second reflective material layer are produced by different forming processes, and the first reflective material layer and the second reflective material layer may be made of different materials.
  • the reflecting ink layer is produced by the same forming process as the first reflective material layer or the second reflective material layer.
  • the reflecting ink layer and the second reflective material layer should be made of different materials in order to prevent from mixing of the reflecting ink layer and the second reflective material layer.
  • Each opening 412 is aligned with two light-emitting elements 40 .
  • the sidewall 411 is located at a periphery of the opening 412 .
  • the illumination circuit board 43 is disposed under the light guide plate 41 and fixed on the reflecting ink layer 415 .
  • the illumination circuit board 43 is used for supporting the plural light-emitting elements 40 . Consequently, every two light-emitting elements 40 are inserted into the corresponding opening 412 .
  • the plural light-emitting elements 40 are driven by the illumination circuit board 43 to generate light beams B
  • the light beams B are introduced into the light guide plate 41 through the periphery of the opening 412 .
  • the light-emitting elements 40 are side-view light-emitting diodes.
  • the illumination circuit board 43 is a printed circuit board (PCB), which is made of a hard material. Moreover, the illumination circuit board 43 is fixed on the reflecting ink layer 415 by adhering means. It is noted that numerous modifications and alterations of the backlight module 4 may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. For example, in a variant example, each opening is aligned with one light-emitting element, and the illumination circuit board is made of a flexible printed circuit (FPC) board.
  • FPC flexible printed circuit
  • the light shielding structure 42 is disposed over the first reflective material layer 413 , and located near the plural light-emitting elements 40 .
  • the light shielding structure 42 is used for absorbing the light beams B and preventing from leakage of the light beams B.
  • the waterproof structure 44 is disposed over the light shielding structure 42 and the plural light-emitting elements 40 , and the plural openings 412 are covered by the waterproof structure 44 .
  • the waterproof structure 44 is fixed on the light shielding structure 42 by an adhesive 45 .
  • the light shielding structure 42 is a black light-absorbing ink layer.
  • the black light-absorbing ink layer is formed on the first reflective material layer 413 by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process. Alternatively, the black light-absorbing ink layer is firstly formed on the first reflective material layer 413 by a coating process, and then subjected to a curing process.
  • the waterproof structure 44 is a waterproof Mylar sheet, which is disposed on the light shielding structure 42 .
  • the operations of the backlight module 4 will be illustrated in more details as follows.
  • the light beams B are introduced into the light guide plate 41 through the sidewall 411 at the periphery of the opening 412 and transferred within the light guide plate 41 .
  • the light beam B is projected on the first reflective material layer 413 , a portion of the light beam B is reflected back into the light guide plate 41 by the first reflective material layer 413 . Consequently, the light beam B is subjected to total internal reflection within the light guide plate 41 . Under this circumstance, only a small fraction of the light beam B may be directed to the light shielding structure 42 .
  • the utilization efficacy of the light beam B is enhanced, and the fraction of the light beam B to be projected to the reflecting ink layer 415 is largely reduced.
  • the portion of the light beam B transmitted through the second reflective material layer 414 is projected on the reflecting ink layer 415 , the light beam B is reflected back into the light guide plate 41 by the reflecting ink layer 415 . Consequently, the utilization efficacy of the light beam B is further enhanced.
  • the backlight module 4 comprises two reflecting mechanisms on the bottom surface 417 of the light guide plate 41 . That is, the light beam B is firstly reflected by the second reflective material layer 414 , and then the portion of the light beam B which is not reflected by the second reflective material layer 414 is reflected by the reflecting ink layer 415 . Consequently, the utilization efficacy of the light beam B is largely enhanced
  • the present invention provides a backlight module.
  • a first reflective material layer is firstly used for reflecting the light beam, so that the fraction of the light beam to be directed to the light shielding structure is reduced. Then, the small portion of the light beam is absorbed by the light shielding structure, so that the possibility of leaking the light beam is minimized. Under the circumstance, the light intensity of the backlight module at the positions near the light sources will not be too strong, and the luminous efficacy is more uniform.
  • the first reflective material layer is formed by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process, or the first reflective material layer is produced by firstly performing a coating process and then performing a curing process.
  • the backlight module of the present invention is thinner than the conventional backlight module.
  • the first reflective material layer is disposed on the light guide plate, a great portion of the light beam is reflected by the first reflective material layer and unable to be transmitted through the first reflective material layer.
  • the adhesive can be coated on the whole area of the first reflective material layer.
  • the adhesive and the first reflective material layer are away from the specified regions, the portion of the light beam which is directly upwardly is not adversely affected by the adhesive.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Planar Illumination Modules (AREA)

Abstract

A background module includes a light-emitting element, a light guide plate, and a light shielding structure. The light guide plate includes a reflective material layer. The reflective material layer is disposed on a top surface of the light guide plate and located near the light-emitting element. After a light beam emitted by the light-emitting element is introduced into the light shielding structure, a portion of the light beam is reflected back into the light shielding structure by the reflective material layer. On the other hand, a portion of the light beam is transmitted through the reflective material layer and absorbed by the light shielding structure. Consequently, the possibility of causing light leakage will be minimized.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a backlight module, and more particularly to a backlight module for use in an electronic device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A backlight module is usually applied to a display device or a luminous input device. For example, most electronic devices are equipped with display devices for providing a prompting function. According to the contents shown on the display devices, the user may realize the current operating statuses of the electronic devices. Generally, a display device comprises a backlight module and a display panel. The backlight module is used for providing a light beam and guiding the light beam into the display panel. When the light beam is transmitted through the display panel, the corresponding content is shown on the display panel. On the other hand, the luminous input device comprises a backlight module and an input interface. The input interface is for example a keyboard device, a handwriting device or a touch panel. The backlight module is used for providing a light beam and guiding the light beam into the input interface. Consequently, the input interface has a luminous function, and the input interface is visible by the user.
Hereinafter, the structure of a conventional backlight module will be illustrated with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic side view illustrating a conventional luminous keyboard device. The conventional luminous keyboard device is disclosed in for example Taiwan Patent No. M419971. As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional luminous keyboard device 100 comprises a light guide plate 110, plural light sources 120, a transparent layer 130, a keycap layer 140, plural light intensity adjusting patterns 150, a reflective layer 160, and an adhering layer 170. The light guide plate 110 has plural openings 112. These openings 112 are located at predetermined positions of the light guide plate 110. Each light source 120 is aligned with a corresponding opening 112. In addition, each light source 120 is disposed within the corresponding opening 112. The transparent layer 130 is disposed over the light guide plate 110. The keycap layer 140 is disposed over the transparent layer 130. The plural light intensity adjusting patterns 150 are disposed on the transparent layer 130. The positions of the light intensity adjusting patterns 150 are determined according to the positions of the light sources 120.
The light source 120 is a light emitting diode or any other appropriate dot light source. The transparent layer 130 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or any other appropriate transparent material. Please refer to FIG. 1 again. After the light beams emitted by the light sources 120 of the luminous keyboard device 100 are introduced into the light guide plate 110, these light beams are transformed into a planar light beam. The planar light beam is transmitted through the transparent layer 130 overlying the light guide plate 110 and directed to the keycap layer 140. Consequently, plural keycaps (not shown) of the keycap layer 140 are illuminated.
FIG. 2 is a schematic top view illustrating the transparent layer, the light intensity adjusting patterns and the adhering layer of the conventional luminous keyboard device as shown in FIG. 1. Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2. The light intensity adjusting patterns 150 are arranged between the transparent layer 130 and the keycap layer 140. The light intensity adjusting patterns 150 are partially disposed on the transparent layer 130 and located at the positions corresponding to the light sources 120. Moreover, the light intensity adjusting patterns 150 are arranged around corresponding light sources 120, respectively. By the light intensity adjusting pattern 150, a portion of the light beam near the light source 120 is blocked from being transmitted through the keycap layer 140. Consequently, the intensity of the portion of the light beam transmitted through the keycap layer 140 is not too strong. Under this circumstance, the luminous efficacy of the luminous keyboard device 100 is more uniform.
Generally, the light intensity adjusting pattern 150 is a white reflective pattern. By the light intensity adjusting pattern 150, the light beam from the light source 120 is reflected back into the light guide plate 110. Consequently, the light utilization efficacy is enhanced. Moreover, by the light intensity adjusting pattern 150, the light beam from the light source 120 is prevented from being directly projected onto the keycap layer 140 over the light source 120. Under this circumstance, the intensity of the light beam at local areas is not too strong. Alternatively, the light intensity adjusting pattern 150 is an opaque pattern. For example, the light intensity adjusting pattern 150 is a light-absorbing pattern by coating a black paint on the transparent layer 130. Consequently, the light beam from the light source 120 can be absorbed by the light intensity adjusting pattern 150, and the portion of the light beam to be transmitted through the keycap layer 140 is reduced. Consequently, the intensity of the light beam at the local area of the keycap layer 140 over the light source 120 is not too strong.
As shown in FIG. 1, the reflective layer 160 is disposed under the light guide plate 110. By the reflective layer 160, the light beam from a bottom surface of the light guide plate 110 is reflected back into the light guide plate 110. In other words, the use of the reflective layer 160 can enhance the light utilization efficacy. Moreover, the adhering layer 170 is arranged between the keycap layer 140 and the transparent layer 130. Via the adhering layer 170, the keycap layer 140 and the transparent layer 130 are combined together. As shown in FIG. 2, the light intensity adjusting patterns 150 are separated from the adhering layer 170 (i.e. an adhesive). As the consequently, the light adjusting functions (e.g. light-absorbing function or the light-reflecting function) of the light intensity adjusting patterns 150 will not be influenced by the adhering layer 170. However, after the light beam is transmitted through the light guide plate 110 and the transparent layer 130, the light beam is directed upwardly from the whole transparent layer 130. When the light beam is transmitted through the adhering layer 170, the intensity of the light beam is diminished by the adhering layer 170. Under this circumstance, the luminous efficacy of the luminous keyboard device is deteriorated.
Therefore, there is a need of providing a backlight module, in which the luminous efficacy is not adversely affected by the adhesive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a backlight module, in which the luminous efficacy is not adversely affected by the adhesive.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a background module. The background module includes a light-emitting element, a light guide plate, and a light shielding structure. The light-emitting element is used for emitting a light beam. The light guide plate has a sidewall for receiving the light beam. The light beam is guided by the light guide plate to be transferred within the light guide plate. The light-emitting element is located near the sidewall. The light guide plate includes a first reflective material layer. The first reflective material layer is disposed on a top surface of the light guide plate and located near the sidewall. The light shielding structure is disposed over the first reflective material layer for absorbing the light beam and preventing from leakage of the light beam. When the light beam is projected on the first reflective material layer, a portion of the light beam is reflected back into the light guide plate by the first reflective material layer, and another portion of the light beam is transmitted through the first reflective material layer and absorbed by the light shielding structure.
The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic side view illustrating a conventional luminous keyboard device;
FIG. 2 is a schematic top view illustrating the transparent layer, the light intensity adjusting patterns and the adhering layer of the conventional luminous keyboard device as shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustrating a backlight module according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic side view illustrating a backlight module according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 5 is a schematic side view illustrating a backlight module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
For eliminating the drawbacks encountered from the prior art technology, the present invention provides a backlight module. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustrating a backlight module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the backlight module 2 comprises plural light-emitting elements 20, a light guide plate 21, a light shielding structure 22, and an illumination circuit board 23. For clarification and brevity, only one light-emitting element 20 is shown in the drawing. The light guide plate 21 comprises a sidewall 211, a first reflective material layer 212, and a reflecting ink layer 213. The sidewall 211 is located at a lateral edge 214 of the light guide plate 21. The plural light-emitting elements 20 are located near the sidewall 211. The functions of the first reflective material layer 212 and the reflecting ink layer 213 will be described later. The illumination circuit board 23 is located beside the lateral edge 214 of the light guide plate 21 and fixed on the reflecting ink layer 213. The illumination circuit board 23 is used for supporting the plural light-emitting elements 20 and providing electric power to drive the plural light-emitting elements 20. After the plural light-emitting elements 20 are driven to generate light beams B, the light beams B are received by the sidewall 211, and introduced into the light guide plate 21. The light beams B are guided by the light guide plate 21 and transferred within the light guide plate 21. In this embodiment, the light-emitting elements 20 are side-view light-emitting diodes. The illumination circuit board 23 is a flexible printed circuit (FPC) board, which is made of a soft material. Moreover, the illumination circuit board 23 is fixed on the reflecting ink layer 213 by adhering means.
In this embodiment, the first reflective material layer 212 is disposed on a top surface 215 of the light guide plate 21, and located near the sidewall 211. By the first reflective material layer 212, the portion of the light beams B from the top surface 215 of the light guide plate 21 is reflected back into the light guide plate 21. The reflecting ink layer 213 is disposed on a bottom surface 216 of the light guide plate 21. By the reflecting ink layer 213, the portion of the light beams B from the bottom surface 216 of the light guide plate 21 is reflected back into the light guide plate 21. In this embodiment, each of the first reflective material layer 212 and the reflecting ink layer 213 is formed by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process. Alternatively, each of the first reflective material layer 212 and the reflecting ink layer 213 is produced by firstly performing a coating process (e.g. a spray coating process or a printing process) and then performing a curing process (e.g. a baking process, an infrared curing process or a UV curing process). Moreover, the light guide plate 21 comprises plural light-guiding parts (not shown) for guiding the light beams B to be directed upwardly. The structures of the light-guiding parts and the operations of the light-guiding parts for guiding the light beams B are well known to those skilled in the art, and are not redundantly described herein.
The light shielding structure 22 is disposed over the first reflective material layer 212, and located near the plural light-emitting elements 20. The light shielding structure 22 is used for absorbing the light beams B and preventing from leakage of the light beams B. Moreover, the light shielding structure 22 is fixed on the first reflective material layer 212 via an adhesive 24. That is, the light shielding structure 22 is disposed over the plural light-emitting elements 20. In addition, by the light shielding structure 22, the plural light-emitting elements 20 are isolated from being contacted with external liquid (e.g. water). Consequently, the possibility of causing breakdown of the plural light-emitting elements 20 by the external liquid will be minimized. Moreover, the light shielding structure 22 comprises a light-absorbing ink layer 221. The light-absorbing ink layer 221 is used for absorbing the light beams B and preventing from leakage of the light beams B. In this embodiment, the light shielding structure 22 is a waterproof Mylar sheet, which is disposed over the first reflective material layer 212. Moreover, the light-absorbing ink layer 221 is a black ink layer. In this embodiment, the black ink layer is formed on a top surface of the light shielding structure 22 by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process. Alternatively, the black ink layer is formed on the top surface of the light shielding structure 22 by firstly performing a coating process (e.g. a spray coating process or a printing process) and then performing a curing process (e.g. a baking process, an infrared curing process or a UV curing process). Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the black ink layer is formed on a bottom surface of the light shielding structure.
Please refer to FIG. 3 again. The plural light-emitting elements 20 are disposed on the illumination circuit board 23, and located beside the lateral edge 214 of the light guide plate 21. After the plural light-emitting elements 20 are driven to generate light beams B, the light beams B are introduced into the light guide plate 21 through the lateral edge 214 of the light guide plate 21, and the light beams B are transferred within the light guide plate 21. When the light beam B is projected on the first reflective material layer 212, a portion of the light beam B is reflected back into the light guide plate 21 by the first reflective material layer 212. Consequently, the light beam B is subjected to total internal reflection within the light guide plate 21. Under this circumstance, only a small fraction of the light beam B is directed to the light shielding structure 22. On the other hand, another portion of the light beam B is transmitted through the first reflective material layer 212, and projected on the light shielding structure 22, so that the light beam B is absorbed by the light shielding structure 22. Consequently, the light intensity of the backlight module 2 at the positions near the light sources (i.e. the plural light-emitting elements 20) will not be too strong. Moreover, when the light beam B transferred within the light guide plate 21 by the total internal reflection is projected on the reflecting ink layer 213, the light beam B is reflected back into the light guide plate 21. Under this circumstance, the possibility of leaking the light beam B from the light guide plate 21 is minimized, and thus the utilization efficacy of the light beam B is enhanced.
From the above discussions about the backlight module 2, the light beam B is firstly reflected by first reflective material layer 212, so that the fraction of the light beam B to be directed to the light shielding structure 22 is reduced. Then, the small portion of the light beam B is absorbed by the light shielding structure 22, so that the possibility of leaking the light beam B is minimized. Under this circumstance, the luminous efficacy is more uniform. Moreover, due to the arrangement of the first reflective material layer 212, only a small fraction of the light beam B is directed to the adhesive 24. Consequently, the influence of the adhesive 24 on the light beam B is largely reduced. Moreover, in the backlight module 2 of this embodiment, the adhesive 24 is only disposed under the light shielding structure 22 and located near the light-emitting elements 20. Consequently, while the light beam B is directly upwardly, the light beam B is not blocked by the adhesive 24. In other words, the luminous efficacy of the backlight module 2 is not adversely affected by the adhesive 24.
Moreover, the first reflective material layer 212 is formed by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process, or the first reflective material layer 212 is produced by firstly performing a coating process and then performing a curing process. Consequently, there is no air layer between the first reflective material layer 212 and the light guide plate 21. Since the light beam B is not leaked out through the air layer, the light transferring efficiency is enhanced. Similarly, the reflecting ink layer 213 is formed by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process, or the first reflective material layer 212 is produced by firstly performing a coating process and then performing a curing process. Consequently, there is no air layer between the reflecting ink layer 213 and the light guide plate 21. Since the light beam B is not leaked out through the air layer, the light transferring efficiency is enhanced. Moreover, since the first reflective material layer 212 and the reflecting ink layer 213 are produced by the above processes, the backlight module of the present invention is thinner than the conventional backlight module with multilayered stacked structures. In other words, the backlight module of the present invention is suitable to be used in a display device, a luminous input device or any other appropriate electronic device.
The present invention further provides a backlight module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view illustrating a backlight module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the backlight module 3 comprises plural light-emitting elements 30, a light guide plate 31, a light shielding structure 32, and an illumination circuit board 33. For clarification and brevity, only two light-emitting elements 30 are shown in the drawing. The light guide plate 31 comprises a sidewall 311, plural openings 312, a first reflective material layer 313, and a reflecting ink layer 314. For clarification and brevity, only one opening 312 is shown in the drawing.
Except for the following two items, the structures and the operations of the backlight module 3 of this embodiment are substantially identical to those of the backlight module 2 of the first embodiment, and are not redundantly described herein.
Firstly, the light guide plate 31 further comprises plural openings 312. Each opening 312 is aligned with two light-emitting elements 30. The sidewall 311 is located at a periphery of the opening 312. The illumination circuit board 33 is disposed under the light guide plate 31 and fixed on the reflecting ink layer 314. The illumination circuit board 33 is used for supporting the plural light-emitting elements 30. Consequently, every two light-emitting elements 30 are inserted into the corresponding opening 312. After the plural light-emitting elements 30 are driven by the illumination circuit board 33 to generate light beams B, the light beams B are introduced into the light guide plate 31 through the periphery of the opening 312.
Secondly, the light shielding structure 32 is disposed over the plural light-emitting elements 30, and the plural openings 312 are covered by the light shielding structure 32. By the light shielding structure 32, the plural light-emitting elements 30 are isolated from being contacted with external liquid. In this embodiment, the light shielding structure 32 is a black waterproof Mylar sheet. Consequently, it is not necessary to install an additional light-absorbing ink layer on the light shielding structure 32.
The present invention further provides a backlight module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic side view illustrating a backlight module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the backlight module 4 comprises plural light-emitting elements 40, a light guide plate 41, a light shielding structure 42, an illumination circuit board 43, and a waterproof structure 44. For clarification and brevity, only two light-emitting elements 40 are shown in the drawing. The light guide plate 41 comprises a sidewall 411, plural openings 412, a first reflective material layer 413, a second reflective material layer 414, and a reflecting ink layer 415. For clarification and brevity, only one opening 412 is shown in the drawing. In this embodiment, the first reflective material layer 413 is disposed on a top surface 416 of the light guide plate 41, and located near the sidewall 411. By the first reflective material layer 413, the portion of the light beams B from the top surface 416 of the light guide plate 41 is reflected back into the light guide plate 41. The second reflective material layer 414 is disposed on a bottom surface 417 of the light guide plate 41. By the second reflective material layer 414, the portion of the light beams B from the bottom surface 417 of the light guide plate 41 is reflected back into the light guide plate 41. The reflecting ink layer 415 is disposed on the second reflective material layer 414. The portion of the light beams B which is transmitted through the second reflective material layer 414 is reflected back into the light guide plate 41 by the reflecting ink layer 415. In this embodiment, each of the first reflective material layer 413, the second reflective material layer 414 and the reflecting ink layer 415 is formed by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process. Alternatively, each of the first reflective material layer 413, the second reflective material layer 414 and the reflecting ink layer 415 is produced by firstly performing a coating process and then performing a curing process. The approaches of firstly performing the coating process and then performing the curing process are similar to those of the above embodiments, and are not redundantly described herein.
In this embodiment, each of the first reflective material layer 413 and the second reflective material layer 414 is produced by firstly performing a spray coating process and then performing a UV curing process. Moreover, the first reflective material layer 413 and the second reflective material layer 414 are made of the same material. The reflecting ink layer 415 is formed by a transfer printing process. Moreover, the reflecting ink layer 415 and the second reflective material layer 414 are made of different materials. Of course, the ways of forming the first reflective material layer, the second reflective material layer and the reflecting ink layer are not restricted to the same process, and the first reflective material layer and the second reflective material layer are not restricted to be made of the same material. For example, in some other embodiments, the first reflective material layer and the second reflective material layer are produced by different forming processes, and the first reflective material layer and the second reflective material layer may be made of different materials. Under this circumstance, the reflecting ink layer is produced by the same forming process as the first reflective material layer or the second reflective material layer. However, the reflecting ink layer and the second reflective material layer should be made of different materials in order to prevent from mixing of the reflecting ink layer and the second reflective material layer.
Each opening 412 is aligned with two light-emitting elements 40. The sidewall 411 is located at a periphery of the opening 412. The illumination circuit board 43 is disposed under the light guide plate 41 and fixed on the reflecting ink layer 415. The illumination circuit board 43 is used for supporting the plural light-emitting elements 40. Consequently, every two light-emitting elements 40 are inserted into the corresponding opening 412. After the plural light-emitting elements 40 are driven by the illumination circuit board 43 to generate light beams B, the light beams B are introduced into the light guide plate 41 through the periphery of the opening 412. In this embodiment, the light-emitting elements 40 are side-view light-emitting diodes. The illumination circuit board 43 is a printed circuit board (PCB), which is made of a hard material. Moreover, the illumination circuit board 43 is fixed on the reflecting ink layer 415 by adhering means. It is noted that numerous modifications and alterations of the backlight module 4 may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. For example, in a variant example, each opening is aligned with one light-emitting element, and the illumination circuit board is made of a flexible printed circuit (FPC) board.
The light shielding structure 42 is disposed over the first reflective material layer 413, and located near the plural light-emitting elements 40. The light shielding structure 42 is used for absorbing the light beams B and preventing from leakage of the light beams B. The waterproof structure 44 is disposed over the light shielding structure 42 and the plural light-emitting elements 40, and the plural openings 412 are covered by the waterproof structure 44. By the waterproof structure 44, the plural light-emitting elements 40 are isolated from being contacted with external liquid. The waterproof structure 44 is fixed on the light shielding structure 42 by an adhesive 45. In this embodiment, the light shielding structure 42 is a black light-absorbing ink layer. The black light-absorbing ink layer is formed on the first reflective material layer 413 by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process. Alternatively, the black light-absorbing ink layer is firstly formed on the first reflective material layer 413 by a coating process, and then subjected to a curing process. Moreover, the waterproof structure 44 is a waterproof Mylar sheet, which is disposed on the light shielding structure 42.
The operations of the backlight module 4 will be illustrated in more details as follows. After the plural light-emitting elements 40 are driven to generate light beams B, the light beams B are introduced into the light guide plate 41 through the sidewall 411 at the periphery of the opening 412 and transferred within the light guide plate 41. When the light beam B is projected on the first reflective material layer 413, a portion of the light beam B is reflected back into the light guide plate 41 by the first reflective material layer 413. Consequently, the light beam B is subjected to total internal reflection within the light guide plate 41. Under this circumstance, only a small fraction of the light beam B may be directed to the light shielding structure 42. On the other hand, another portion of the light beam B is transmitted through the first reflective material layer 413 and projected on the light shielding structure 42, so that the light beam B is absorbed by the light shielding structure 42. Consequently, the light intensity of the backlight module 4 at the positions near the light sources will not be too strong.
Moreover, when the light beam B transferred within the light guide plate 41 by the total internal reflection is projected on the second reflective material layer 414, the light beam B is reflected back into the light guide plate 41 by the second reflective material layer 414. Under this circumstance, the possibility of leaking the light beam B out of the light guide plate 41 is minimized. Consequently, the utilization efficacy of the light beam B is enhanced, and the fraction of the light beam B to be projected to the reflecting ink layer 415 is largely reduced. When the portion of the light beam B transmitted through the second reflective material layer 414 is projected on the reflecting ink layer 415, the light beam B is reflected back into the light guide plate 41 by the reflecting ink layer 415. Consequently, the utilization efficacy of the light beam B is further enhanced.
From the above discussions, the backlight module 4 comprises two reflecting mechanisms on the bottom surface 417 of the light guide plate 41. That is, the light beam B is firstly reflected by the second reflective material layer 414, and then the portion of the light beam B which is not reflected by the second reflective material layer 414 is reflected by the reflecting ink layer 415. Consequently, the utilization efficacy of the light beam B is largely enhanced
From the above descriptions, the present invention provides a backlight module. In the backlight module, a first reflective material layer is firstly used for reflecting the light beam, so that the fraction of the light beam to be directed to the light shielding structure is reduced. Then, the small portion of the light beam is absorbed by the light shielding structure, so that the possibility of leaking the light beam is minimized. Under the circumstance, the light intensity of the backlight module at the positions near the light sources will not be too strong, and the luminous efficacy is more uniform. Moreover, the first reflective material layer is formed by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process, or the first reflective material layer is produced by firstly performing a coating process and then performing a curing process. Consequently, there is no air layer between the first reflective material layer and the light guide plate. Since the light beam is not leaked out through the air layer, the light transferring efficiency is enhanced. Moreover, the backlight module of the present invention is thinner than the conventional backlight module. Moreover, since the first reflective material layer is disposed on the light guide plate, a great portion of the light beam is reflected by the first reflective material layer and unable to be transmitted through the first reflective material layer. Moreover, since the light beam can be guided to specified regions (e.g. the regions with the light-guiding parts) and directly upwardly, the adhesive can be coated on the whole area of the first reflective material layer. Moreover, since the adhesive and the first reflective material layer are away from the specified regions, the portion of the light beam which is directly upwardly is not adversely affected by the adhesive.
While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.

Claims (12)

What is claimed is:
1. A background module, comprising:
a light-emitting element for emitting a light beam;
a light guide plate having a sidewall for receiving the light beam, wherein the light beam is guided by the light guide plate to be transferred within the light guide plate, wherein the light-emitting element is located near the sidewall, and the light guide plate comprises a first reflective material layer, wherein the first reflective material layer is disposed on a top surface of the light guide plate and located near the sidewall; and
a light shielding structure disposed over the first reflective material layer for absorbing the light beam and preventing from leakage of the light beam, wherein when the light beam is projected on the first reflective material layer, a portion of the light beam is reflected back into the light guide plate by the first reflective material layer, and another portion of the light beam is transmitted through the first reflective material layer and absorbed by the light shielding structure; wherein the light guide plate further comprises:
a second reflective material layer disposed on a bottom surface of the light guide plate for reflecting the light beam back into the light guide plate; and the background module further comprising:
a reflecting ink layer disposed on the second reflective material layer, wherein when a portion of the light beam is transmitted through the second reflective material layer, the portion of the light beam is reflected back into the light guide plate by the reflecting ink layer, further comprising an illumination circuit board, wherein the illumination circuit board is disposed under the light guide plate and fixed on the reflecting ink layer for supporting the light-emitting element and providing electric power to drive the light-emitting element, wherein the light-emitting element is inserted into an opening of the light guide plate, and the sidewall of the light guide plate is located at a periphery of the opening, so that the light beam from the light-emitting element is introduced into the light guide plate through the periphery of the opening.
2. The background module according to claim 1, wherein the first reflective material layer is formed on the top surface of the light guide plate by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process, or formed on the top surface of the light guide plate by a coating process or a curing process, wherein the second reflective material layer is formed on the bottom surface of the light guide plate by the sputtering process, the transfer printing process or the evaporation process, or formed on the bottom surface of the light guide plate by the coating process or the curing process, wherein the reflecting ink layer is formed on the second reflective material layer by the sputtering process, the transfer printing process or the evaporation process, or formed on the second reflective material layer by the coating process or the curing process, wherein the coating process comprises a spray coating process or a printing process, and the curing process comprises a baking process, an infrared curing process or a UV curing process, wherein the second reflective material layer and the reflecting ink layer are made of different materials.
3. The background module according to claim 1, wherein the illumination circuit board is a printed circuit board (PCB) made of a hard material or a flexible printed circuit (FPC) board made of a soft material.
4. The background module according to claim 1, further comprising a waterproof structure, wherein the waterproof structure is disposed over the light shielding structure and the light-emitting element for isolating the light-emitting element from being contacted with external liquid, wherein the waterproof structure is fixed on the light shielding structure via an adhesive.
5. The background module according to claim 4, wherein the waterproof structure is a waterproof Mylar sheet, and the light shielding structure is a light-absorbing ink layer, wherein the light-absorbing ink layer is formed on the first reflective material layer by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process, or formed on the first reflective material layer by a coating process or a curing process, wherein the coating process comprises a spray coating process or a printing process, and the curing process comprises a baking process, an infrared curing process or a UV curing process, wherein the light-absorbing ink layer and the first reflective material layer are made of different materials.
6. The background module according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding structure is a black waterproof Mylar sheet, and the light shielding structure is disposed over the light-emitting element for isolating the light-emitting element from being contacted with external liquid, wherein the light shielding structure is fixed on the first reflective material layer via an adhesive.
7. The background module according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding structure is a waterproof Mylar sheet, and the light shielding structure is disposed over the light-emitting element for isolating the light-emitting element from being contacted with external liquid, wherein the light shielding structure further comprises a light-absorbing ink layer, and the light-absorbing ink layer is formed on the top surface of the light guide plate by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process, or formed on a top surface or a bottom surface of the light shielding structure by a coating process or a curing process, wherein the coating process comprises a spray coating process or a printing process, and the curing process comprises a baking process, an infrared curing process or a UV curing process, wherein the light shielding structure is fixed on the first reflective material layer via an adhesive.
8. The background module according to claim 1, wherein the light shielding structure is a waterproof Mylar sheet, and the light shielding structure is disposed over the light-emitting element for isolating the light-emitting element from being contacted with external liquid, wherein the light shielding structure further comprises a light-absorbing ink layer, and the light-absorbing ink layer is formed on the top surface of the light guide plate by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process, or formed on a top surface or a bottom surface of the light shielding structure by a coating process or a curing process, wherein the coating process comprises a spray coating process or a printing process, and the curing process comprises a baking process, an infrared curing process or a UV curing process, wherein the light shielding structure is fixed on the first reflective material layer via an adhesive.
9. A background module, comprising:
a light-emitting element for emitting a light beam;
a light guide plate having a sidewall for receiving the light beam, wherein the light beam is guided by the light guide plate to be transferred within the light guide plate, wherein the light-emitting element is located near the sidewall, and the light guide plate comprises a first reflective material layer, wherein the first reflective material layer is disposed on a top surface of the light guide plate and located near the sidewall; and
a light shielding structure disposed over the first reflective material layer for absorbing the light beam and preventing from leakage of the light beam, wherein when the light beam is projected on the first reflective material layer, a portion of the light beam is reflected back into the light guide plate by the first reflective material layer, and another portion of the light beam is transmitted through the first reflective material layer and absorbed by the light shielding structure; wherein the light guide plate further comprises a reflecting ink layer, and the reflecting ink layer is disposed on a bottom surface of the light guide plate for reflecting the light beam back into the light guide plate, wherein the first reflective material layer is formed on the top surface of the light guide plate by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process, or formed on the top surface of the light guide plate by a coating process or a curing process, wherein the reflecting ink layer is formed on the bottom surface of the light guide plate by the sputtering process, the transfer printing process or the evaporation process, or formed on the bottom surface of the light guide plate by the coating process or the curing process, wherein the coating process comprises a spray coating process or a printing process, and the curing process comprises a baking process, an infrared curing process or a UV curing process; and the background module further comprising an illumination circuit board, wherein the illumination circuit board is disposed under the light guide plate and fixed on the reflecting ink layer for supporting the light-emitting element and providing electric power to drive the light-emitting element, wherein the light-emitting element is inserted into an opening of the light guide plate, and the sidewall of the light guide plate is located at a periphery of the opening, so that the light beam from the light-emitting element is introduced into the light guide plate through the periphery of the opening.
10. The background module according to claim 9, further comprising a waterproof structure, wherein the waterproof structure is disposed over the light shielding structure and the light-emitting element for isolating the light-emitting element from being contacted with external liquid, wherein the waterproof structure is fixed on the light shielding structure via an adhesive.
11. The background module according to claim 9, wherein the waterproof structure is a waterproof Mylar sheet, and the light shielding structure is a light-absorbing ink layer, wherein the light-absorbing ink layer is formed on the first reflective material layer by a sputtering process, a transfer printing process or an evaporation process, or formed on the first reflective material layer by a coating process or a curing process, wherein the coating process comprises a spray coating process or a printing process, and the curing process comprises a baking process, an infrared curing process or a UV curing process, wherein the light-absorbing ink layer and the first reflective material layer are made of different materials.
12. The background module according to claim 9, wherein the light shielding structure is a black waterproof Mylar sheet, and the light shielding structure is disposed over the light-emitting element for isolating the light-emitting element from being contacted with external liquid, wherein the light shielding structure is fixed on the first reflective material layer via an adhesive.
US14/019,154 2013-06-17 2013-09-05 Backlight module Expired - Fee Related US9442238B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TW102121384 2013-06-17
TW102121384A TW201500815A (en) 2013-06-17 2013-06-17 Backlight module
TW102121384A 2013-06-17

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20140369067A1 US20140369067A1 (en) 2014-12-18
US9442238B2 true US9442238B2 (en) 2016-09-13

Family

ID=52019079

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/019,154 Expired - Fee Related US9442238B2 (en) 2013-06-17 2013-09-05 Backlight module

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US9442238B2 (en)
TW (1) TW201500815A (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20180143496A1 (en) * 2015-05-08 2018-05-24 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Lighting device, display device, and television device
CN109404774A (en) * 2017-08-15 2019-03-01 元太科技工业股份有限公司 Waterproof light-emitting module and display device
US11041616B2 (en) 2019-09-17 2021-06-22 E Ink Holdings Inc. Lighting module and display device
US11982828B2 (en) 2022-04-06 2024-05-14 E Ink Holdings Inc. Display device

Families Citing this family (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI501276B (en) * 2013-10-18 2015-09-21 Primax Electronics Ltd Luminous keyboard device
CN103823319B (en) * 2014-03-10 2016-03-09 深圳市华星光电技术有限公司 Backlight module and the liquid crystal indicator with this backlight module
US9684117B2 (en) * 2014-10-14 2017-06-20 Szu-Wei Sun Backlight assembly with brightness enhancing mechanism
US20160103272A1 (en) * 2014-10-14 2016-04-14 Szu-Wei Sun Backlight Assembly with Brightness Enhancing Structure
CN104501047B (en) * 2014-12-26 2017-02-22 深圳市华星光电技术有限公司 Backlight module structure
TWI553683B (en) * 2015-07-03 2016-10-11 致伸科技股份有限公司 Luminous keyboard
TWI556280B (en) * 2015-07-03 2016-11-01 致伸科技股份有限公司 Luminous keyboard
TWI555051B (en) * 2015-07-14 2016-10-21 達方電子股份有限公司 Backlight module, and lighting keyboard
KR20170009309A (en) * 2015-07-16 2017-01-25 삼성전기주식회사 Key pad assembly
FR3066252B1 (en) * 2017-05-15 2020-10-30 Automotive Lighting Rear Lamps France LIGHTING DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE SIGNAL LIGHT, PROMOTING THE PROPAGATION OF A GREATER QUANTITY OF LIGHT IN A LIGHT GUIDE
US10670257B2 (en) 2017-08-15 2020-06-02 E Ink Holdings Inc. Waterproof light emitting module
TWI631297B (en) * 2017-08-15 2018-08-01 元太科技工業股份有限公司 Waterproof light emitting module and display device
CN108286681B (en) * 2018-01-31 2021-01-15 Oppo广东移动通信有限公司 Electronic device, display assembly and backlight module thereof
CN108302386B (en) * 2018-01-31 2021-01-15 Oppo广东移动通信有限公司 Electronic device and its display assembly, backlight module
CN108302385B (en) * 2018-01-31 2021-01-15 Oppo广东移动通信有限公司 A backlight module and electronic device
CN108150896B (en) * 2018-01-31 2021-01-15 Oppo广东移动通信有限公司 Electronic device and backlight module thereof
TWI677000B (en) * 2019-02-27 2019-11-11 群光電能科技股份有限公司 Backlight module
CN110488526B (en) * 2019-08-13 2020-08-11 武汉华星光电技术有限公司 Display module and assembling method
TWI689959B (en) * 2019-09-26 2020-04-01 群光電能科技股份有限公司 Keyboard backlight module and manufacturing method thereof
CN110764309B (en) * 2019-10-31 2022-07-15 深圳市德仓科技有限公司 Backlight module, display screen and terminal
CN112904616A (en) * 2019-11-19 2021-06-04 宸美(厦门)光电有限公司 Light guide structure
CN114520124A (en) * 2020-11-20 2022-05-20 致伸科技股份有限公司 Keyboard device and backlight module thereof
TWI789648B (en) * 2020-11-20 2023-01-11 致伸科技股份有限公司 Keyboard device and backlight module thereof
TWI830014B (en) * 2021-03-30 2024-01-21 達方電子股份有限公司 Backlight module and luminous keyboard including the same
CN115435301A (en) * 2021-06-03 2022-12-06 川奇光电科技(扬州)有限公司 Light source module
TWI777690B (en) 2021-07-26 2022-09-11 群光電能科技股份有限公司 Touchpad module
US12253706B2 (en) 2022-03-31 2025-03-18 Darfon Electronics Corp. Lighting keyboard and backlight module
TWI819576B (en) * 2022-04-19 2023-10-21 致伸科技股份有限公司 Light guide structure manufacturing method thereof and backlight module using the same
US20240096567A1 (en) * 2022-09-19 2024-03-21 Darfon Electronics Corp. Backlight module and backlight keyswitch thereof

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110158728A1 (en) 2009-12-28 2011-06-30 Hsin-Cheng Ho Backlight module and lighting keyboard
US8033706B1 (en) * 2004-09-09 2011-10-11 Fusion Optix, Inc. Lightguide comprising a low refractive index region
US20120287355A1 (en) * 2010-02-02 2012-11-15 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Lighting device, display device, and television receiver

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8033706B1 (en) * 2004-09-09 2011-10-11 Fusion Optix, Inc. Lightguide comprising a low refractive index region
US20110158728A1 (en) 2009-12-28 2011-06-30 Hsin-Cheng Ho Backlight module and lighting keyboard
US20120287355A1 (en) * 2010-02-02 2012-11-15 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Lighting device, display device, and television receiver

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20180143496A1 (en) * 2015-05-08 2018-05-24 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Lighting device, display device, and television device
CN109404774A (en) * 2017-08-15 2019-03-01 元太科技工业股份有限公司 Waterproof light-emitting module and display device
US11041616B2 (en) 2019-09-17 2021-06-22 E Ink Holdings Inc. Lighting module and display device
US11982828B2 (en) 2022-04-06 2024-05-14 E Ink Holdings Inc. Display device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
TW201500815A (en) 2015-01-01
US20140369067A1 (en) 2014-12-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9442238B2 (en) Backlight module
US11664177B2 (en) Backlight module
US8714850B2 (en) Backlight module and lighting keyboard
US8888305B2 (en) Illuminated keyboard
US9299516B2 (en) Luminous keyboard device
US7651231B2 (en) Lighting module for use in a keypad device
US9040856B2 (en) Luminous keyboard device
JP2007053063A (en) Sheet switch module
CN113012967A (en) Keyboard and key module thereof
CN101482631A (en) Light-guide sheet, movable contact unit and switch using the same
US20230317387A1 (en) Lighting keyboard, backlight module and lighting board
US20240096567A1 (en) Backlight module and backlight keyswitch thereof
CN104251414A (en) Backlight module
US9022590B2 (en) Luminous keyboard device
US8960931B2 (en) Luminous keyboard device
US10388473B2 (en) Unit type backlight module and backlight keyboard using the same
CN105761991A (en) Luminous keyboard device
CN104252988A (en) Illuminated keyboard device
US7838785B2 (en) Keypad assembly
KR101518066B1 (en) Flexible printed circuit board, input module and mobile apparatus
US20230377816A1 (en) Lighting keyboard, backlight module and lighting board
JP2010034008A (en) Light guide sheet switch unit
TWM548882U (en) Keyboard
JP3201084U (en) Planar light emitting device
US20240177950A1 (en) Lighting keyboard, backlight module and lighting board

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD., TAIWAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHEN, BO-AN;HO, HSUAN-WEI;REEL/FRAME:031146/0205

Effective date: 20130905

ZAAA Notice of allowance and fees due

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: NOA

ZAAB Notice of allowance mailed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: MN/=.

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 4

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20240913